Georgia Tobacco Tax Favors High-Income Counties

A new Tax Foundation report shows that Georgia’s tobacco tax benefits high-income counties the most by transferring funds to them in the form of state services from lower-income areas. Residents of the Cobb-Douglas health district, whose incomes are 20 percent higher than elsewhere in the state, received $1.29 in state services for every $1 its residents paid in cigarette taxes, for a total transfer of $4.2 million.

In the Fulton health district, where the average income is 60 percent higher than in the rest of the state, residents received $1.26 for every $1 in cigarette taxes paid, for a total transfer of $4.7 million. Georgia’s cigarette tax rate is 37 cents per pack.

The Northwest health district loses the most in the funds transfer: Its residents received 78 cents in benefits for every $1 paid in cigarette taxes, for a total loss of $3.8 million. The next-biggest “loser” was the North Georgia health district, whose residents received 82 cents for every $1 in cigarette taxes paid, for a total loss of $2.1 million.

Help us achieve our vision of a world where the tax code doesn't stand in the way of success.

The Tax Foundation is the nation’s leading independent tax policy research organization. Since 1937, our principled research, insightful analysis, and engaged experts have informed smarter tax policy at the federal, state, and local levels. We improve lives through tax policy research and education that leads to greater economic growth and opportunity.